PIETERMARITZBURG - It is almost certain that netball will follow on the heels of rugby in introducing an annual Tri-Nations competition next year.
The lopsided nature of the series now involving New Zealand, Australia and South Africa means it cannot be officially deemed a true Tri-Nations competition.
After much tinkering with the itinerary when New Zealand failed to agree on the original programme, the Silver Ferns will end up playing South Africa twice and Australia once.
South Africa and Australia will meet four times.
However, after being on the backburner for some time, a credible Tri-Nations series looks set to take off next year.
"The concept is a really exciting one for us because it will expose us to South Africa and Australia regularly each year," said Tracey Fear, of Netball New Zealand. "It is also a good opportunity for South Africa to take another step forward."
If the programme is approved, a doubleheader of games would be held in each country over successive weekends in June. The host country would play two games a round.
"It would be another international competition that would have a lot of credibility once South Africa comes through," Fear said.
"All parties are very keen, but at this stage there are still issues such as funding and sponsorship to be tidied up before it gets the final go-ahead."
If the funding is available, it is also hoped to include the respective under-21 teams.
Questions could be raised about the viability of South Africa's inclusion.
The present series has proved they are not up to scratch on the court or off it.
But Fear believes the regular top-flight competition would be the perfect way to help them improve.
"With games being held in South Africa, it would give the public an opportunity to get behind the series and increase the sport's profile," she said.
"What we have seen in the coaching clinics we have done is there's talent to burn.
"It's now a case of South Africa getting its structures right to provide pathways for the players to get to the top."
If the series goes ahead it will not interfere with the annual international series which New Zealand hosts each winter.
Australian coach Jill McIntosh was also enthusiastic about the concept.
"I hope it takes off mid-year next year and becomes an annual event," she said.
"It's certainly been on the cards for a while and, hopefully, it's pretty well confirmed."
- NZPA
Netball: Countries enthusiastic about Tri-Nations
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.